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VanVleck, Barry Lee
HILTON: Barry Lee Van Vleck entered into Eternal Rest, Sunday evening, February 18, 2007. Beloved son of Jennie Larkin and Hayes Albert Van Vleck, grandson of Florence Harper and Leon Michael Gambettos Van Vleck, great-grandson of Jennie Cool and Harvey Dillion Van Vleck, great-great grandson of Prudy Hughes and Lawrence Van Vleck, great-great-great grandson of Icy Root and Merinus Van Vleck. Barry was born August 19, 1942 in Auburn, New York, on his sister Sharon's first birthday. Barry lived and grew up at 35 Auburn Street in Wolcott, New York. He attended Wolcott schools and graduated from Leavenworth High School as Salutatorian of the Class of 1960. He attended General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan where he was a charter and founding member of the Zeta Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi International Fraternity. Barry was a Life Loyal Sig. He graduated from GMI in 1965 and worked at Rochester Products as a Mechanical Engineer until his retirement in 1997.
    On August 18, 1962, Barry married the love of his life, Catherine Anne Dietrich. They honeymooned in Gettysburg, PA, their first of many trips there together. Barry and Cathy brought two beautiful children into the world. Marilee Ann was born February 6, 1963 and Daniel William followed on April 19, 1965. Barry and Cathy celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in August 2006.
    Barry thoroughly enjoyed his time on this earth with Cathy and all they shared together. After heart surgery in Dec. 1999, he enjoyed many wonderful years and lived life to the fullest. Barry was an avid hunter. He enjoyed pheasant and duck hunting with his many cherished dogs and deer hunting in Hamlin and at his camp in Osceola, NY. Barry was a member of the North Star Sportsman's Club in Hamlin, NY. He held a deep passion for history and for his country. He walked many Civil War battlefields and paid homage to all who fought there. His love for Western history took his family along the Oregon Trail in 1980. Barry took pride in teaching and playing with his grandchildren. Later in life, Barry and Cathy ventured West many times, in their 5th wheel camper, enjoying the countrysides of Nebraska and Wyoming and the magnificent Rocky Mountains of Colorado. His interest in WW II took him and Cathy to Pearl Harbor & Normandy, where they walked the sands of Omaha Beach. These trips held special memories for both of them. Barry also enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Osceola, NY. Barry found joy working at the forge that was his father's and grandfather's before him and created many beautiful pieces over the years for family and friends. Many hours were spent sharing his steam and gas engines. Barry was Grand Praetor of the Northwestern NY Province of Sigma Chi.
     Barry is survived by his beloved wife Catherine Anne Van Vleck of Hilton, NY; beloved daughter, Marilee Ann (Mark) Rayome of Loveland, CO; son, Daniel William (Patricia Forbes) Van Vleck of Hilton, NY; beloved grandchildren, David Barclay Rayome of Fort Collins, CO; Katelyn Rachelle (Luke) Roath, Leighanne Rene' Rayome of Loveland, CO; Caroline Tait Van Vleck and Abigail Jo Van Vleck of Hilton, NY; beloved great granddaughter, Brooklyn Grace Roath of Loveland, CO; Aunt & Uncle, Dorothy and Vic Van Vleck of Wolcott, NY; Aunt, Irene Fowler of Wolcott, NY; mother-in-law, Harriet Dietrich of Wolcott, NY; Brothers-in-law, John (Barbara) Dietrich, Charles (JoAnne) Dietrich and James Bilello; Niece, Karen (Michael) Bilello Lombardo; many cousins; and his loyal hunting buddy, Buck. Extended family: Francis R. and Elaine McDonald of Massena, NY; Melissa McDonald of Nashville, TN; F. Scott and Hallie McDonald of Rotterdam NY; Roderick and Beverly Carter of North Carolina; Len and Gwen Allgaier of MI; many other special friends and Brothers of Sigma Chi. Barry was predeceased by his parents, Jennie and Hayes; sister, Sharon Kay Bilello; nephew, David Charles Bilello. We were all truly blessed by his time with us on this earth.
    Friends are invited to call Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home Inc., 735 East Avenue, Hilton. A Funeral service will be held on Friday 11 AM at Hilton United Methodist Church, 21 West Avenue, Hilton. Spring interment, Butler Center Cemetery, Butler Center, NY. Memorial donations can be made to the Sigma Chi Foundation - Cornerstone Fund, The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and the American Heart Association.

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